The Department of Education (DepEd) has approved PHP 720 million for the construction of 69 classrooms in three public schools in Mandaue City, benefiting thousands of students. The funding, approved on June 17, represents one of the largest investments in educational infrastructure in the city in recent years.
Addressing Classroom Shortages
The projects are expected to address classroom shortages for over 8,200 students. They include a PHP 650 million mid-rise school building at Paknaan National High School, a PHP 40 million four-story building with 12 classrooms at Opao Elementary School, and a PHP 30 million three-story building with nine classrooms at Basak Elementary School.
The DepEd, led by Secretary Sonny Angara, gave the approval. The projects were made possible through coordination among the national government, the Mandaue City Government, and Mandaue Lone District Representative Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, whose office facilitated their implementation.
Local Officials' Response
Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano welcomed the development, describing it as a major step in strengthening the city’s education system and investing in the future of young Mandauehanons. He added that improving school facilities remains a priority as the student population grows and the demand for quality public education increases.
For years, overcrowded classrooms and lack of proper facilities have been challenges in many public schools in Mandaue City. Local officials said the new infrastructure projects will ease these problems and create a better environment for teaching and learning.
Project Details
- Paknaan National High School: PHP 650 million for a mid-rise building.
- Opao Elementary School: PHP 40 million for a four-story building with 12 classrooms.
- Basak Elementary School: PHP 30 million for a three-story building with nine classrooms.
In total, the three projects will provide 69 new classrooms serving over 8,200 students. Mayor Ouano thanked Secretary Angara, Representative Ouano-Dizon, and DepEd for their continued support of education programs. He said the approval demonstrates a strong partnership between local and national governments to ensure that every Mandaue student receives quality education.
“With these projects, we are not only building classrooms. We are building opportunities and creating a better future for our children and for Mandaue City,” the mayor said.
